The mission, now in its fourth year, underscores the strengthening economic ties between Scotland and Barbados, bolstered by a 43% increase in trade between the UK and Barbados in the year leading up to June 2023.

Some highlights of this year’s mission were:

• University of the West of Scotland (UWS) signed a memorandum of understanding with the University of West Indies. One of the Scottish university’s dementia experts, Dr Anna Jack-Waugh, also led two dementia seminars. UWS was also able to share its expertise in water scarcity, aquaculture, thin films/ultrasound, and dementia care.
• Life coach and mentor, Cat Peterson, met with Tom Hinds of the Naniki resort, and the two have agreed to further discussions, aimed at bringing SPACE retreats for women-led businesses to Barbados. SPACE retreats offer women business leaders the space to connect, focus, and grow.
• HowGroupUK opened up new ways of supporting Barbados and the Caribbean with its supply of renewable energy products. The group also agreed that Barbados would be the pilot for some new and upcoming innovations in green energy.
• PRM Waste Systems signed an agreement with Barbados firm Shorelinez and Stuffers, which specialises in providing high-quality fresh and frozen seafood to restaurants throughout the Caribbean. Shorelinez and Stuffers will be the importer of PRM’s range of food waste processors in the area.
• ID Cyber Solutions held very positive talks and has been asked to return soon to sign contracts. The cyber security firm is bringing the new IASME Cyber Baseline security certification for organisations outside the United Kingdom to the island. This certification scheme looks to ensure that organisations have critical cyber security protection measures in place. The experienced business has been working with the Barbados police and the Regional Security System, the military alliance responsible for the defence and security of the eastern Caribbean.

The mission was organised by Invest Barbados, the investment promotion agency for the island, in partnership with the British High Commission, the Renfrewshire Business Network of Scotland, and the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

The Office of National Statistics found that UK exports to the island increased by 83% compared to the same period in 2022.

Barbadian Minister of State in Foreign Trade and Business Development, Sandra Husbands, spoke during the opening session of the trade mission held at the town hall at the Crane Resort, St Philip.

In her speech, the Minister emphasised the importance of transparency and substance in business. She also highlighted Barbados’ competitive economy and business-friendly environment which has proved attractive to ambitious Scots firms throughout the trade mission.

Both the British and Barbados High Commissioners welcomed the Scots firms to the event, noting that being in Barbados gave firms an important opportunity to see the benefits of working internationally for themselves. The organisers of the trade mission thank everyone for their committed involvement in making this year’s mission a success and look forward with anticipation to an even more successful event in 2024.

Kaye-Anne Greenidge, CEO of Invest Barbados, said: “Each year, delegates from the trade mission return to Scotland with great success stories to share and this year is no different.

“It is fantastic to see so many deals being struck, including in cybersecurity and lifestyle, proving that Barbados is an island of opportunity. It’s not just the climate and quality of life that makes Barbados attractive, there is also a welcoming investment climate and a stable socio-political backdrop.

“We hope that all delegates found the experience to be rewarding and positive and will consider joining us again in 2024.”

Jo Smith of the Renfrewshire Business Network added: “Scotland boasts strong historic links with Barbados, and I am pleased to see these being strengthened between our two nations.

“This mission has allowed deals to be struck and agreements made to progress discussions further in a wide range of sectors. The support of Invest Barbados and the DBT has proven invaluable in progressing these relationships.”